New research has revealed that more than half of Brits who have tried a well-being trend say it has had a negative impact on them, raising concerns over the effectiveness and sustainability of popular self-care routines. The study, conducted by Platinum Spas, found that 58% of people in the UK have attempted at least one well-being trend, only to find it had unintended consequences.
The findings highlight a growing appetite for health and wellness trends, with 75% of Brits keen to try a new approach to self-care in 2025. But many struggle to maintain these habits, with 26% admitting they only managed to sustain a well-being activity for one to four weeks in 2024 before giving up.
Social media has become a dominant force in shaping how people approach their health and wellness. The study found that 78% of Brits turn to social media platforms for well-being guidance, while only 30% consult a health professional. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are among the most popular sources, yet concerns remain about the credibility of advice given by influencers and content creators.
While 33% of respondents rely on friends and family for wellness recommendations, 30% still consider health and wellness magazines or NHS advice. However, a reliance on unverified sources has led to misinformed decisions, with some trends causing more harm than good.
The research identified the most popular well-being trends in the UK, with hot and cold water therapies, such as saunas and ice baths, emerging as the most widely adopted at 11%. Other prominent trends include hormone health awareness (8%), magnesium supplements (7%), and sober curiosity (7%).
But despite their popularity, some trends have been associated with negative effects. The ‘morning shed’ routine, 5-9 before 9-5, and sober curiosity were among those linked to physical or mental health challenges. For example, 16% of Brits who tried a trend found it worsened their mental health, as it failed to align with their personal needs.
Many well-being trends struggle to become long-term habits. The research showed that while digital detoxing, Sunday resets, and magnesium supplements were relatively successful, with 23% to 30% of people integrating them into their routine, other trends failed to take hold.
The “morning shed” routine, for instance, saw 23% of participants abandon it within a week, while 29% gave up after a month. Notably, 52% of those who attempted the routine cited TikTok as their primary source of information, highlighting the influence of social media in promoting short-lived wellness fads.
Despite the mixed success of well-being trends, Brits continue to make significant lifestyle changes to improve their health. Incorporating regular exercise was the most popular adjustment, with 19% of respondents committing to more movement in their daily routine. Strengthening relationships (18%), ending a relationship (15%), and taking a sabbatical to travel (14%) were also cited as key steps towards better well-being.
With well-being trends becoming increasingly mainstream, experts warn that individuals should critically evaluate which practices suit their needs rather than following social media hype. Seeking advice from reputable sources, such as healthcare professionals, remains essential in ensuring well-being trends lead to positive, lasting benefits.
